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Owens Community
College
launches Gateway to College Program
to help High School Dropouts earn Diplomas and College Credit
Owens Community College has received a $325,000 start-up grant
from Gateway to College National Network to implement
Gateway to College, a nationally recognized dropout recovery
program.
Gateway to College is designed for young
adults ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school or are
significantly behind in credits and unlikely to graduate. The
program enables them to complete their high school diploma
requirements while simultaneously earning college credit toward
an associate degree or certificate.
“Owens Community College is extremely honored to be chosen by
Gateway to College National Network as the first academic
institution in Ohio to offer the Gateway to College program,”
said John Satkowski, Interim President of Owens Community
College. “The Gateway to College national initiative provides a
second chance for students to succeed academically and prepare
for a brighter future. An education opens doors to many
opportunities and Owens Community College is pleased to
collaborate with Toledo Public Schools and Gateway to College
National Network and help students realize their fullest
academic and career potential.”
Up to 150 students from Toledo
Public Schools will be served through the program over the
next three years. Students must meet specific criteria for
entrance into the program and will be dually enrolled at their
K-12 district and Owens Community College until they complete
their high school diploma. Tuition and books are free for
students enrolled in Gateway to College.
Dr. Jerome Pecko,
Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, is excited to learn
that the Toledo Public Schools/Owens Community College
partnership was chosen as the first in Ohio to implement the
Gateway to College dropout recovery program.
“We’re most grateful to Gateway to
College National Network for supporting this initiative.
Assisting young adults who have not completed their high school
education has become one of Toledo Public Schools' primary
goals. The Gateway program's unique incentives...a fully paid
dual credit program with a comprehensive system of
support...virtually eliminates traditionally insurmountable
barriers. This program will not only benefit the youth who
participate, but also the community in which they reside. After
all, education is a key component of and directly related to the
vitality of every community.”
Students are placed into small
learning communities during their first (Foundation) term, and
together they take classes in reading, writing, math, and
college skills. After completing the Foundation term, students
transition to the comprehensive campus, taking classes with the
general student population.
Throughout their enrollment in the
program, students receive one-on-one advising and support from
resource specialists who act as coaches, mentors, and advisors.
The wrap-around support of the resource specialist keeps
students on the right track for success.
Students graduate from Gateway to College once they have
completed their high school diploma requirements.
Nationally, Gateway to College
students accrue an average of 35 college credits by the time
they graduate from the program, putting them well on their way
to earning a college credential.
Owens Community College is one of 37
community and technical colleges across the nation currently
offering the Gateway to College program.
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